Basement Renovations: Expectation Vs Reality

Introduction

The basement is the new living room. It's where we play games, watch movies, and even do yoga. So when you're thinking about renovating your basement into a finished space with all the amenities you've always dreamed of having, there are two things you need to keep in mind:

It Looks Easy on TV, but It's Not

You have to think about the work you need to do. You have to think about the cost. You have to think about the time it will take and who will help you with your basement renovations, like a carpenter, electrician, plumber, or painter.

What Are the Biggest Costs?

The highest costs are flooring, lighting and windows. If you want the space to be usable again, these items need to be replaced. Another common mistake people make is choosing cheaper materials for these items that don't last as long or look good in the long run.

The walls will also require work if you're looking more modern with exposed brick or stone walls. The flooring can also be expensive depending on what type of material you choose; laminate floors tend to be more affordable than hardwood, but they may only hold up well over time if maintained properly by professionals like yourself!

How to Make It Cost Less Than You Think It Will

Getting caught up in the idea of a beautiful new basement is easy, but paying attention to some simple steps that can save you money is necessary.

Here are some ideas for saving money on your basement renovation project:

• Before starting any work, make sure the space is structurally sound and safe. That includes checking the foundation and walls for cracks or other problems that could lead to a collapse in the future.

• Use plywood rather than concrete as flooring material—this will help keep costs down! Ensure there isn't any moisture getting into the subflooring before installing it so it doesn't rot out over time (which would cause leaking). Consider using vinyl tiles instead of stone slabs; this means less expensive installation costs because there aren't any extra supplies needed beyond just trowels/rollers/levellers etc.

The Basement Is the New Living Room!

If you're thinking about renovating your basement, here are some of the best uses for it:

• It can be used to entertain guests. If you have a large family or want to throw a party with friends, this is often one of the most cost-effective ways. You can set up tables and chairs in your home office/party area and serve drinks from down below while everyone enjoys themselves on their level (or even higher!).

• It's also great storage space if you need more room above ground level. That can help keep things organized while giving them easy access when they need it most—like when someone needs something from upstairs immediately!

If You're Considering Finishing Your Basement, There Are a Few Things to Consider First

The first thing to consider is the cost of the project. You might be tempted to rush into a basement renovation, but if you're not careful, it could cost more than you thought.

The second thing to consider is whether or not your materials will last long enough for when you need them again. Many people think that because they've got an old house and cheap materials, they'll get away with installing new floors and walls every few years and still save money on their renovations—but this isn't always true! If something breaks down in your home frequently (or severe structural problems require immediate attention), replacing parts instead of fabricating new ones might be cheaper overall in the long run because it doesn't take as long for things like nails/screws/planks etc.

Conclusion

So there you have it! It takes a lot of work and stress, but with proper planning and execution, your basement can be the best room in your house.